Discovering Cilento

Cilento is one of the most beautiful regions in Campania, boasting numerous places of significant tourist interest. Much of the area lies within the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The itineraries we’ve selected for you allow you to reach these destinations in no more than just over an hour.

Ten Must-See Places in Cilento

Paestum

30 Min.

Paestum is a site unique in the world—not only for the three remarkably preserved temples but also for the historic landscape surrounding them.

Here, you can still sense the atmosphere of a distant past, from the Greek colonisation to the presence of artists in the 18th century (such as Piranesi and Goethe), and the Allied landings of 1943, which took place just metres from the temples.

The Cilento Inland and Beyond

Moving inland and south, the Cilento landscape becomes mountainous. Once inhabited by non-Greek populations, wolves, and bears, today it is home to one of Italy’s most stunning natural reserves, the Cilento National Park.

The three Greek temples, complete with their altars, stand as the most prominent remnants of the past, alongside the city’s central square, the agorà, featuring key symbolic structures such as the tomb of the founding hero (heroon) and the circular assembly space (ekklesiasterion).

The Roman Influence

With the arrival of the Romans, the temples remained unchanged, but the city saw new constructions:

The Forum: the political and commercial hub,
The Amphitheatre: where gladiator and animal duels took place,
The Campus: where Romans trained in sports.

In a pool nearby, women are believed to have performed fertility rites.

The residential districts were extensive, with numerous aristocratic houses, the most impressive being one with a 2,800 square metre pool.

Explore this remarkable journey through history, where Greek, Roman, and natural heritage combine to create a timeless treasure in the heart of Cilento.

Pioppi, Acciaroli e Pollica

20, 30, 40 Min.

Pioppi, with its Museum of the Sea and its sailing centre for people with disabilities, is a destination for niche tourism. It was in this small coastal village of Cilento that scientist Ancel Keys conducted his studies on the factors behind the longevity of the local population. His research attributed this remarkable longevity to the lifestyle and diet of the area, making the “Mediterranean Diet” world-famous.

Acciaroli, a charming seaside village within the Municipality of Pollica, is renowned for its historical significance and beauty, as well as for the numerous stays of Ernest Hemingway. Facing the sea stands the Church of the Annunziata, built in 1187, while nearby are the remains of an Angevin defence tower with a square base—silent witnesses to the village’s rich history.

Pollica, the municipal seat, is perched in a stunning panoramic location. Key landmarks include the Medieval Castle dating back to 1290 and the Chapel of St. Peter, built in 1524. Just outside the village, you will find the Convent of Maria SS. delle Grazie, established by the Franciscan friars in 1611.

These villages offer a captivating journey through history, tradition, and the lifestyle that gave rise to one of the healthiest and most celebrated diets in the world.

Velia/Elea

15 Min.

Velia, originally known as Elea, is one of Cilento’s most important archaeological sites. It was founded around 540 BC by Phocaean colonists. During the Greek era, it was called Elea, but the Romans later renamed it Velia, as noted by Pliny the Elder in his Naturalis Historia.

Once a colony of Marseille, the city remained a steadfast stronghold of Hellenism, continuing to use the Greek language even during the Roman Imperial period. Velia was also renowned for being the home of the Eleatic School of Philosophy.

Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient city, where excavations began in 1921 under Amedeo Maiuri and continued through the 1950s and 1960s.

Key highlights include:

The remains of the city gates (Porta Rosa and Porta Marina),
A thermal bath complex,
The acropolis,
The agorà (the central square),
The Sanctuary of Poseidon Asphaleios.

Velia offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient history, where Greek and Roman legacies come alive amidst the ruins.

Grotte di Pertosa

80 Min.

The Pertosa-Auletta Caves are the only speleological site in Europe where you can sail on an underground river, venturing into the very heart of the mountain.

The Negro River originates deep within the caves, offering a fascinating and unusual boat journey through a magical silence, broken only by the thunderous roar of an underground waterfall. The caves stretch for around 3,000 metres within the Alburni Mountains, a route rich with stalactites and stalagmites that adorn every space with unique shapes, colours, and dimensions—creating a sense of awe and wonder.

The guided tour covers over one kilometre, including a 400-metre boat ride along the underground river. Visitors will reach the internal waterfall and explore the Sala del Paradiso (Paradise Hall). The journey continues along the northern branch, where you’ll discover the grandeur of the Great Hall, the peculiarities of the Sala delle Spugne (Hall of Sponges), and the enchantment of the Braccio delle Meraviglie (Arm of Wonders).

An unforgettable adventure awaits, revealing the hidden beauty of Cilento’s underground world.

Certosa di Padula

70 Min.

The Charterhouse of San Lorenzo, also known as the Padula Charterhouse, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sites in the province of Salerno.

The complex comprises approximately 350 rooms and spans an area of 51,500 square metres, with 15,000 square metres occupied solely by the cloister, making it one of the largest cloisters in the world. In fact, due to its vast size, the Charterhouse of San Lorenzo is second only to the Grande Chartreuse in Grenoble, France.

The town of Padula dates back to the 9th-10th centuries when, following the end of Saracen raids, the population—who had sought refuge in the hills—chose to settle on a nearby hill close to the consular road, where the historic centre still stands today. The founding of the Charterhouse site was also supported by the Basilian monks.

The cloister, built starting in 1583, spans two levels:

The lower level features a portico with the monks’ cells.
The upper level includes a windowed gallery used for the monks’ weekly walks. During these walks, the monks could break their isolation, communicate, and pray together.

In 1998, the Charterhouse was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2002, the Region of Campania designated it as one of its Great Cultural Attractions.

This monumental complex stands as a testament to history, spirituality, and architecture, offering a profound glimpse into centuries of monastic life.

Grotte di Castelcivita

60 Min.

The Castelcivita Caves, also known as the Caves of Spartacus, stretch for several kilometres within the Alburni Mountains, located in the municipalities of Castelcivita and Controne. However, only 1,700 metres are accessible to visitors.

This karst cave system is particularly rich in stalactites and stalagmites of countless shapes and sizes. With a total length of approximately 4,800 metres, the Castelcivita Caves are among the largest speleological complexes in southern Italy.

Monte Cervati

35 Min.

A climb to Monte Cervati, located in the municipality of Sanza, is an experience not to be missed. Standing at 1,899 metres, it is the highest mountain in Campania. The geological nature of this massif reveals the characteristic morphology of a karst environment, featuring sinkholes, crystal-clear springs, and temporary watercourses.

The massif’s sheer cliffs, carved by deep ravines, along with its numerous towers and spires, offer a spectacular and unique landscape, particularly on the Piaggine side. At its base lie mixed woodlands and beech forests, occasionally opening into clearings lush with vegetation, vibrant green in summer and blanketed white in winter.

From the summit, the panoramic views are breathtaking: you can admire the Vallo di Diano, the Monte Motola massif (1,700 m), the Monte Sacro, and even the sea in the distance. At the peak, there is a chapel and a cave dedicated to the Madonna della Neve (Our Lady of the Snow), adding a spiritual touch to this natural wonder.

Capo Palinuro

54 Min.

Capo Palinuro has long captivated travellers throughout history, so much so that Virgil himself referenced it in the Aeneid.

Here, wide sandy beaches alternate with rocky stretches accessible only by sea, hiding natural treasures like the secluded Spiaggia del Buon Dormire and stunning sea caves.

A visit to the Arco Naturale beach and the nearby Spiaggia del Mingardo is highly recommended. At Mingardo, you can rent pedal boats to explore otherwise unreachable spots. This enchanting landscape has often served as a filming location for famous movies. After a day of exploration, indulge in traditional Cilentan cuisine and delicious fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants.

To explore the area’s famous caves—most notably the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), as well as the Grotta del Sangue (Blood Grotto) and the Grotta dei Monaci (Monks’ Grotto)—you can book a boat tour with local operators. At the port, you’ll find detailed information on departure times, tour durations, and prices.

Capo Palinuro offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and authentic experiences waiting to be discovered.

Marina di Camerota

50 Min.

Marina di Camerota, nestled between sheer rocky cliffs and rolling hills dotted with ancient watchtowers and vast centuries-old olive groves, is the most populous hamlet in the Municipality of Camerota.

One of the most popular destinations in Cilento, Marina attracts beachgoers for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. The coastline is rugged and full of natural caves carved into the rocks at sea level, while small sandy coves, reminiscent of tropical paradises, open up along the shore. Larger, well-equipped beaches are conveniently located in the town centre.

A Coastline of Remarkable Beaches

Marina’s beaches are numerous, and several have served as film locations, including movies like Jason and the Argonauts 2 and Wonder Woman.

Spiaggia di San Domenico: Situated between the historic centre and the harbour, this beach features fine white sand lapped by the turquoise waters of an incredibly clear sea. It offers both free areas and organised beach facilities.
Spiaggia Lentiscelle: Located at the southern edge of the town, it combines golden sand and gravel with alternating free areas and organised sections.
Spiaggia Calanca: Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, this beach is accessed via a wide staircase that leads to the only free beach section. Off the coast lies the Isola delle Sirene (Island of Sirens), guarded by the Torre Calanca.
Cala d’Arconte: The northernmost beach, Cala d’Arconte, completes Marina di Camerota’s offering of breathtaking coastal scenery.

With its mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cinematic allure, Marina di Camerota remains a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Cilento.

Porto Infreschi

80 Min.

Porto Infreschi, voted Italy’s most beautiful beach in 2014 by Legambiente, is regarded as the crown jewel of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park.

Miraculously untouched by human development, this natural harbour is one of the most breathtaking locations along the Cilento coastline, once used by Roman ships.

A true paradise, Porto Infreschi features a stunning natural landing point that attracts countless sailors and boaters during the summer season. It is sheltered by rocky ledges, against which the foaming waves of the sea crash dramatically.

In the pristine waters of this idyllic bay, dolphins are often spotted, drawn by the area’s extraordinary abundance of fish.

Porto Infreschi is a place of unspoiled beauty, a natural sanctuary that encapsulates the wild charm and marine splendour of Cilento.

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IUMARA DIMORA DI CAMPAGNA

Your Holiday in the Heart of Cilento

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